Never thought I would ever be, a busy mom chasing after three…

My first wedding! If you want to see some more of the pics go to my photography blog!
photosbymaria.blogspot.com

So I have been promising pictures of my tree and here they are. Again I don't feel like these pictures even remotely do justice to my beautiful tree but that is alright I guess. We are leaving tomorrow for my families house. But I have to say I will miss our beautiful house at Christmas. It really has been such a fun time for our little family. Every time Abby sees the Christmas tree it is like the first time and I love the wonder and amazement that she shows each time she sees it. Every time someone comes over she takes them around to each area of the house to show them our decorations. She is such a sweetheart. She thinks that by saying "ABBA" (Abacadabra!) She controls our lights being turned on and off. It is really quite funny! The other day at our ward Christmas party Santa brought bags of peanuts for everyone. So when ever you ask her what Santa is bringing her she says "Peanuts!" and she is really quite excited about it! If only I could restrict myself to just buying her peanuts!!!!
We went to see the lights on temple square last night and it was just so beautiful. One of Abby's favorite things to talk about are temples. She loves to look at them and it was just great so take her to the Salt Lake temple and tell her that she is going to be married there someday.
I guess I am just trying to say that Christmas has become so different to me as I have gotten older. Having a little girl to teach about Christmas has really changed my perception of it a lot. Trying to teach her about all the traditions, while still making sure she knows what Christmas is really about is definitely a project. But seeing Christmas through a child's eyes is so much fun.
In other news, I know everyone is wondering what is going on with our infertility stuff. I went to the doctor yesterday and it was the best experience ever. She was absolutely certain that we would be able to get pregnant again, and very soon. She was so understanding, and knew just what to say to make me feel better. She is honestly the first person that I have talked to that truly understood what I was struggling with, and knew how to help me. I am very hopeful, mostly because she was soooo confident, that what we are going to be doing will work. And we will be blessed with another baby. At the end of our visit she gave me a hug and just told me that I didn't need to worry anymore. I was of course an emotional mess, but it just felt so good to feel understood. Even though everything with the other doctor was kind of a mess, I know that it happened for a reason, and that the timing of us going to this doctor was perfect. We were able to be diagnosed by a doctor practically for free, without having to go through with all the extensive treatments we had planned. Now we have a much less evasive plan and someone who is committed to helping me get pregnant. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I know they have been heard!

I got this from another friends blog. It is exactly how my life is so I thought I would share it with you.

Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. - Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be watered.

I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill.

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys.

Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent. Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.

It snowed like crazy this weekend! I honestly haven't seen snow like this in a long time. We spent all morning playing in it! It was so much fun. I had to cancel two photo shoots because of it so I thought abby and I could have our own snow photo shoot!

Life has been such a whirlwind lately. We were able to finish one of the rooms in our basement into another guest bedroom. We have Marc living in our other guest room so this made it so my parents had a place to sleep when they came up for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with them here. It was so much fun! And such a break for me!
My brothers had Abby entertained every second of the day which was beyond nice! We did lots of fun things and watched a whole lot of Football! It was so weird to have almost my entire family here (we missed you kate!) and not have anyone sleeping on couches! I was so happy to finally show my Dad my house and all we have done to it. (Thanks for coming dad! I know it was a sacrifice and it meant more than you know.)
We Put up our Christmas tree this week . I love it! We always go to the same place to pick it out and we are never disappointed. This years tree is absolutely perfect. I hesitate to take a picture of it because pictures never do the Christmas tree justice! We also put up our Department 56 village. We are getting to have quite the collection, I honestly don't think we have room for anymore but It did turn out beautiful. I love the holiday season. It is absolutely my favorite time of year.

We have had a very emotional few days around our house. I recently started to see a fertility specialist. This was a big jump for us because our insurance doesn't cover anything fertility related, But we decided that having a baby was really important to us and we needed to do something. I found a doctor that does a different kind of in vitro that is more cost effective and is not as detrimental to your health as regular in vitro. He is one of only 3 doctors that does this type of treatment and his success rate is amazing. We went to see him and he diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Disease. He basically told me that it was nearly impossible for me to get pregnant on my own and that we would definitely need some medical assistance. We came up with a plan for our fertility that consisted of some testing and quite a bit of money, but we had it all laid out to do the procedures in early February and hopefully be expecting a baby (or two) by late next year. I was so excited to actually know that there was a plan and that my stress level was not what was causing us to have trouble (my doctor confirmed that for me!) Then we had a huge set back this last week. The doctor I was seeing has had some accusations brought against him and it was decided that he would have to go to jail for a period of time. Now let me assure you, I wasn't going into the back of an ally to get these treatments. This doctor was nothing but professional and helpful to me. I don't know if there is truth to the accusations or not, but I was very disappointed that he would not be able to continue with our treatments. We did not loose any money or anything, just the hope that we would be able to have a baby very soon. So we are kind of in limbo about what we are going to do, I have an appointment with another doctor in a few weeks so we will see how that goes.
So Sorry to be such a downer but I thought for journaling purposes I should probably share what is going on.
I will be posting pictures of my tree in a later more cheerful post! so please stay tuned!

So I have been so busy lately with photography. It has been so much fun and I am getting so much better at it. I thought i would share my photography blog on here in case anyone was interested.

photosbymaria.blogspot.com

I have to preface by saying, I do put a ton of pictures on here I know! But the reason is that my sister is obsessed with my little girl. She would have every picture I have ever taken on here if she could (yes believe it or not there are lots more)So I do it to keep my family in California updated and my sister happy! Yes Abby was a ladybug for Halloween! I bought this costume in like August of last year so it has been a long time coming! I just love how the back pops out! We started out the night with our tradition of making Dinner in a pumpkin. It was super yummy and I had my in-laws impressed. Then we took pictures of Abby and her Aunt Jenny playing in the leafs. Jenny is a teacher so she was already dressed up. They look so cute together. Of course we then when trick or treating. We went to a ton of houses! I wanted everyone in our ward to see Abby's cute costume! It makes it really easy in Utah to go to everyone in your ward!Anyway, Abby was so cute she would go to the door and stand with her nose against it and say Treat over and over again. And she was so cute about saying Thank you. Finally we came home and let Abby eat some Candy. Then it was bedtime. We then had the pleasant visit of Jack Sparrow and his pirate girlfriend. Allen and Whitney came over, I couldn't believe how good their Costumes were. Especially Allen's. It didn't even look like him. Anyway, we had a wonderful Halloween and hope you all did too!

Our Family is so lucky to have Scott's Mom and Dad that live right next door. We actually share a backyard with them! Everyone always cringes when I tell them that. But it has been a wonderful thing for our family! We love Scott's parents and they are so good to Abby! Best of all, Brent is retired so Abby gets him all to herself at times during the day. I love watching them play outside. She sure does love her Grandpa Wood! These are some pictures I took of them the other day while they were playing outside! I plan on titling these scrapbook pages "do you see what I see".

This is Seriously my favorite time of year! I just love how there are so many fun Holidays right in a row. First Abby's Birthday, than Halloween, Followed by Thanksgiving and then Best of all Christmas!So much fun! Well it has been a tradition of ours to go to the Pumpkin patch the Saturday before Halloween. We have one right by our house that is so much fun! It has a Corn maze, animals, and a light alley. They have great pumpkins and they even have this pumpkin building sort of thing! Abby absolutely loves running through the maze. And we love the nice long nap that follows! This year my brothers both came and Allen's girlfriend Whitney also came. We loved having them along! We picked out some great pumpkins that will make their blog debut with the halloween costume pictures! Happy Trick or Treating!

I know it seems like we have been celebrating for a while, and we have, but today is actually Abby's birthday! I had no idea how emotional I would get last night and today. I just can't help but think of what we were doing 2 years ago and all the excitement that was brought into our lives the day Abby was born. I won't go into all the details, I have certainly done that before. But I will tell you that each day that goes by I realize more and more what a miracle she is. In so many ways. I know that she has a very special purpose on this earth and I can't wait to see all that she is going to accomplish in her life.
I thought since most of you don't get to see Abby very often, I would tell you a little about who she is at the age of 2......

She is the spitting image of her Dad in every way as far as looks go. And her attitude is 100% mom. I sometimes think together we are little much for him to handle! She is absolutely the most inpatient little girl ever, but all the while is as polite as can be. She uses Please and Thank you ALWAYS even if it is in the most demanding tone possible. She loves to read, and I think that I have read the first page of every book we have thousands of times. I have our books up high so she can't tear them apart and she brings me over dozens of times a day to get her books down. When I help her she takes her good old time picking out her books... sometimes several minutes which drives me crazy! She is extremely curious and can be caught giving a pretty serious scowl at times, that I have come to know as her concentrating on something. She is really not mad at all (most times)! She talks incessantly. I really truly can not get her to stop. She comes up with the funniest phrases, and the most interesting thing is that she uses them appropriately. Like when she says "That was so funny mom" when we are playing ring around the rosie and Scott falls to the ground. Or when she goes to get something and Says "I'll be right back". She often says to something "That is so cool". This morning when I was making her birthday Pan cakes she said "ooooh birthday cake". She is sooooo observant. That she gets from her Dad. She notices the weather, and if it is Dark or light outside. And if she doesn't understand something it is "whats that" until she does. She loves to count. She can count to 10 almost perfectly and I hear her counting to herself all the time! One of my very favorite things about abby is what a good "Mommy" she is to her babies. She takes such good care of them, honestly like they are real. I am always telling her that she is the best mommy.

I just can't even express the joy she brings to my life. I never knew that one person would be able to make me so angry and at the same time cause me to love her even more anytime she does something naughty. She really is my little friend and I love being around her so much. I can't imagine what my life would be like without having her around. I am so excited to see what this next year brings to our family! I love you little girl! Happy Birthday!


These pictures are from when Abby opened up her presents from her Aunt Katie, "Uncle AJ" and Grandma Bennett. Thank you guys for being so good to Abby. She really is so lucky to have so many people that love her so much! You guys are the greatest!

We Had Abby's party this weekend. I know it was early but it was best for everyone because my sister-in-law is having her baby tomorrow. We had so much fun. As you can see is it was a ladybug theme. I was quite proud how it turned out. The cake was adorable! I didn't do it myself but I picked it out so that has to count for something right?Abby walked around all day saying "birthday cake". She was so cute with all of her cousins there to help her open all her presents. And boy was she spoiled! She loved her Kitchen as I suspected and she has so many other fun presents that should keep her occupied for a while. She calls the kitchen "chicken" so that threw me off for a while. I couldn't understand why she kept saying "chicken" everytime she walked in her room. Well that was why, she was excited about her kitchen! Anyway it was a ton of fun! Thanks to everyone who came and especially my husband putting up with my crazy party planning!
In other news.... Scott was released from his calling yesterday. After 2 years in the Deacons quorum and then 3 years in the teachers quorum he was actually released! And then called into the Priests quorum! I have to admit I was definitely ready for a change. Since we are both with the youth it makes it difficult with Abby and having to be at all the activities. He has been with the same group of boys since primary believe it or not. And I understand the bishops reasoning since Scott does so well with them, however, it is still difficult for us. But we are happy to serve and do our best.

Sorry I haven't posted a "personal" post for a while. I have found myself to be soooo busy lately. Which I love, but doesn't leave me a ton of time for playing on the computer. As you can see I have been doing some photo shoots for friends of mine. I am getting more comfortable and I actually really enjoy it. So if you know of anyone in utah that wants pictures let me know!

Well the big day is arriving. I have been planning abby's party for is seems like months now and it is tonight. I should be cleaning my house right now, but it can wait! I am so excited because we got Abby a kitchen for her birthday and I know she is just going to love it. I have been looking at this kitchen since last year and have wanted it so badly. I was worried that costco wouldn't get it back in but they did and i am sooooo excited. OH, and Have I mentioned I am excited! Anyway so I have been really busy with that as well. I think that I took on a little too much, but it is turning out ok.

So in other news.... my wonderful husband has been working so hard to finish a couple rooms in our basement. This will give me another guest room and a play room. I can not tell you how anxious I am to get abby's toys in their own separate room. The way our house is set up Abby's room is really close to our living area. And she is constantly bringing her toys out in the main area! It drives me crazy! So I think having a playroom downstairs will be just great! Our goal is to have it done by Thanksgiving so yea for me! I am so appreciative of my husband and how handy he is. He can seriously do just about anything and I really admire that about him. He grew up in a family that were "do it yourself" type people, and it has been just great. I am able to get quite a few extras because we don't have to hire it out which I of course love!

I just can't believe my little girl is two!! Could time have flown by any faster? I will post more about my beautiful abby on her birthday but I just have to say, that she is just the greatest blessing that has come into our lives. I just can't remember what it was like without her around. She gives me opportunities everyday to see the world through the eyes of a child. And sometimes its nice to take a break from the stress of adult life.

To all of my faithful friends that follow my blog, you may have noticed that I have been taking pictures lately of other families. For some reason people think I am like my mom...I am definitely not but maybe someday. This family was beyond easy to take pictures of. They were so sweet and fun!

This is probably our best family shot.... what do you think

Ok, so these are way better as far as the clarity. I think that we have a few good ones to choose from, but Haley was a bit more difficult this time... Sorry! Let me know what you think. And are we still good for Friday or is there a better time for you?

Wow, was that fun! Well it was very difficult but I know if I wern't taking the pictures I would have been having a blast! Well here are some of the ones that I cropped for you. Let me know what you think!

It was so much fun taking your pictures today. I have been staring at them all night!! Here are some of the ones that I liked. Keep in mind that I like the brighter more contrasty look, but we can do them however you like. Enjoy!

Hello Whitneys family!!! (This is my our family picture with my brothers girlfriend Whitney. Who I absolutely adore! They are in Seattle visiting her family and wanted to see this picture.)So there ya go!

This last week we went to down to California to welcome Marc home from his Mission. It was sooo much fun to have all of our family together again! He is so sweet and just makes our family feel complete again. It was beyond hot when we were there! Oh my goodnes! I don't think that I have ever been so hot in my entire life! But we survived and had a good time while we were there. We were able to take some family pictures when we were down there. Abby was soooo hard, but we managed to get a few cute ones. We also had my brother-in laws wedding yesterday, so it has been a busy couple of months full of family and fun but i think we are ready to get back to our boring life! My mom just left a couple of hours ago (she came to shoot the wedding) and we are sad to see her go. Abby just loves her "waaaamaaaa" That is what she calls her, its really cute! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

I really am going to try and be better at this... DeDe has inspired me, you can be an inconsistant blogger and then become a good blogger so here it goes....

We have had such a busy crazy summer. It has been so much fun but just a whirlwind as well. We have been so lucky to have so much family come and visit and we even had Jeffery stay with us for about a month! It was so fun! I will focus on some of the highlights that i haven't already talked about.

For the first time in the three years I have been in young womens I was actually able to go to girls camp. It was a blast! I just loved being with the girls even though it was hard to leave Abby. Scott had scout camp that same week so my mom came and stayed with Abby and I knew she was in good hands. But back to girls camp. I had such a good expierience up there, I feel like I learned as much if not more than the girls did! Despite the fact that there is absolutely no electricity and the bathrooms are stone aged, I survived and even managed to make my cabin area pretty cute! I know I don't have very good pictures, I kind of tried to avoid the camera seeing as there are no showers up there! Yes, absolutely no showers for a whole week, nasty!

Soon after Camp we headed to our Wood family reunion at Bear lake. It was fantastic! We rented this big lake house for the whole family to stay in .... 23 to be exact (including Jeffery) and we were completely comfortable. We rented a boat one day, sat on the beach the other days, all wall doing a lot of shopping and eating raspberry shakes (it was raspberry days up there). The water was so beautiful, I have honestly never seen lake water that looked so blue! I hope that we have the chance to go again because it was really such a neat place.

Aj and Katie came up for a week to visit us as well. This was a second trip for Katie this summer and it was so nice. I love having katie around! She just loves to hang out and be with abby which is so nice. Abby was in love with Aj by the end of their trip. I felt bad for him because she would insist that he follow her everwhere. It was so cute! But thanks to Aj and Katie for making the trip up here! They are the best and I can honestly say that I have the best sister/friend in the whole world!

Well today we are headed down/over to California because Marc is comming home this week. I could not be more excited to have my whole family together again after 3 1/2 years! And more than that, I can't wait for hime to meet Abby. We have been practicing Marcs name for weeks and I think we've got it down. Allen and Whitney (Allens girlfriend) are comming with us and squishing in our little car so it should be a fun ride.... but well worth it!

So things are going well for us..... no baby news yet but to be honest I am dealing with it so much better than before. I am really trying to allow things to happen on the lords time and trying to enjoy all the blessings that I have in the meantime. I have found that as I have been more grateful for what I have, I have been able to not focus so much on what is missing in my life. It has been great to be able to move past of most of the depression that comes with infertility and relax. I just know there are more children in our future. Its just a matter of when so I am going to enjoy abby. She is for sure such a light in my life. I just love everything about her, even her curious, crazy personality. she is so much fun. That is all for now, I will be posting in another week or so when we get home from Cali!